Midvale women prepare third book about village

Brenda Stafford and Candace Wilson thought their work was finished after writing two books on the history of Midvale in 2003 and 2004. “ ‘Mine’-ding Midvale’s History, 1889-2003” and “Re-‘Mine’-ding Midvale’s History, 1889-2004” were completed as classroom project...

Brenda Stafford and Candace Wilson thought their work was finished after writing two books on the history of Midvale in 2003 and 2004. “ ‘Mine’-ding Midvale’s History, 1889-2003” and “Re-‘Mine’-ding Midvale’s History, 1889-2004” were completed as classroom projects, with the books covering many aspects of the village, such as its mining industry, people and the origin of its schools.

“Brenda and I agree that to take on the project of a third book was not in our original plan but our hearts said to put this in writing so no one forgets,” said Wilson.

Stafford said the project has taken a very long time to complete, but has been worthwhile. Several delays were discouraging, including health concerns for Stafford, a change of ownership at Gordon Printing and the length of time it took to sift through hundreds of photos, the two teachers said. Stafford credits Wilson for never letting her give up on the book.

“The book is titled ‘Mine’-ding Midvale’s Schools — The Tradition Lives On’ and will be about 250 pages,” Stafford noted. “We went through so much with Midvale Elementary that we wanted to make sure it was all documented.”

Because the two previous books have sold out, the third book will include material about Midvale schools from the first two books. Also included is a chapter, “The Day the Lights Went Out in Midvale,” which describes when the elementary school was deemed structurally unsound after a chunk of concrete ceiling and cinder blocks fell into the cafeteria. The teachers were forced to complete their school year at the New Philadelphia Activities and Athletics Complex (Quaker Dome). The time spent at the complex, as well as at their temporary home as Tuscarawas Elementary, is documented in the book.

Lists of Midvale (1928-67) and Indian Valley North (1968-88) alumni are part of the book, along with pictures of sports teams, bands and other activities.

“We tried to find pictures of every year,” said Stafford.

Stafford said the project couldn’t have been completed without the help of her son, Scott, who lives across from the school and is a 1986 graduate of IVN.

“He took pictures every day of the demolition of the old school and the building of the new school so that it would all be documented,” she added.

Wilson and Stafford also say that Lisa at Gordon Printing was “excellent to work with,” and that they couldn’t have completed the project without her.

The book will cost $20, and the women will begin taking orders at the Midvale Miners Festival, which takes place Friday through Sept. 8 at Midvale Park. Stafford and Wilson will be in the pavilion at the history display Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Page 2 of 2 -
When the books are all sold and another project is finally put to rest, the ladies have other plans in store. “We want to form a historical society for Midvale,” said Wilson.

Wilson said she also may write another book, this time about Redbird. Redbird is a stuffed cardinal that Wilson purchased to teach her kindergarten students about Ohio during the state’s bicentennial. The bird has traveled extensively while collecting educational items for her students during his trips. Redbird often sent postcards to the students while away.

The two say they are humbled and grateful for this opportunity and for the support of the community and their students throughout the years.

“It’s not about us,” said Wilson of the Midvale School project. “It’s about doing something for the children and community that will live on — it’s our heritage.”